Have you been charged with drug possession in Oakland, California? A conviction could lead to jail time and a criminal record that follows you for years to come. However, the good news is that you still have time to fight back, and the right Oakland drug possession attorney can make a real difference in how your case turns out.
The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed is a trusted criminal defense firm serving clients throughout Oakland and the greater East Bay. Our award-winning attorney has 20 years of experience defending clients against all types of drug charges and is ready to go to bat for you from day one.
Contact us today at (510) 271-0010 for a consultation. We can review your charges and explain your legal options, with no strings attached.
How the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed Can Help if You’ve Been Charged With Drug Possession in Oakland, CA
Being arrested for a drug crime in Oakland, CA, can be a frightening experience, but an arrest does not mean the same thing as a conviction. You’re afforded rights throughout the criminal justice process, including the presumption of innocence.
Our Oakland drug crimes lawyer has a deep understanding of state drug laws and the local court system.
The team at the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed can help by:
- Investigating the circumstances of your arrest
- Reviewing whether your constitutional rights were violated
- Challenging the legality of any search and seizure
- Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence
- Representing you at all court appearances and at trial if necessary
Contact us today to schedule a confidential case review with an Oakland criminal defense lawyer.
Drug Possession Laws in California
California has taken significant steps in recent years to reform its drug possession laws. Under Health and Safety Code § 11350, possessing a controlled substance for personal use is generally charged as a misdemeanor. This includes drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and certain prescription medications obtained without a valid prescription.
A misdemeanor conviction under this statute can result in:
- Up to one year in county jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Informal probation
However, the penalties can increase depending on the specifics of your case. If the prosecution believes you intended to distribute the drugs, for instance, the charge can be elevated to possession with intent to sell under Health and Safety Code § 11351. This is a felony that carries much harsher consequences, including two to four years in state prison.
Marijuana Possession in Oakland
California legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older under Proposition 64, but there are still limits on how much you can have and where you can use it. Possessing more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis without a license can result in criminal charges.
Possession of marijuana on school grounds while school is in session is also still a criminal offense, regardless of the amount. If you’ve been cited or arrested for a marijuana-related violation, it’s worth speaking with an Oakland criminal defense attorney to understand the specific penalties you may be facing.
What Defenses Can Be Raised Against Drug Possession Charges in Oakland, CA?
The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard in the legal system. There are several defenses that may apply to your drug possession case, depending on the facts involved in your specific situation.
Common defenses include:
- Illegal search and seizure: The drugs were found during an illegal search
- Unwitting possession: You did not know the drugs were in your possession
- Factual innocence: The substance in question was not actually an illegal drug
- Lack of possession: The drugs belonged to someone else
- Entrapment: Law enforcement engaged in entrapment
- Your rights were violated: issues during arrest and interrogation
- Lack of knowledge or intent: The state cannot prove you knew the drugs were there or intended to possess them
Our Oakland drug possession attorney can review every detail of your case to determine which defense gives you the best chance at a favorable result. While we will make it our goal to help you secure as favorable an outcome as possible, like an outright dismissal of your charges, no outcome can be guaranteed in advance.
Contact an Oakland Drug Possession Attorney for a Confidential Consultation Today
Drug possession charges in Oakland are serious, but they don’t have to define your future. California law offers several paths that could lead to successful outcomes in these cases, such as the possibility of pretrial diversion, and having the right Oakland drug possession lawyer on your side can help you take full advantage of those options.
The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed is here to help, with 20 years of experience defending clients throughout the East Bay. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about your options and potential next steps.
